Karachi Blues on the verge of relegation

Rawalpindi obtained a lead of 127 runs on the first innings when they restricted Karachi Blues to 233 all out on the third day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Grade-I Cricket Championship match at the UBL Sports Complex here on Tuesday.

Karachi Blues are almost certain of being relegated to Grade-II tournament next season by virtue of conceding three points to Rawalpindi, who extended their advantage to 216 when they ended the day on 89 for three in their second innings.

The home side were dismissed some 25 minutes before the tea interval for 233 after resuming at 106 for three. Their first objective of averting the follow-on was achieved by the ninth wicket pair of Tanvir Ahmed and Salman Fazal who figured in a 36-run stand.

Farhan Adil top-scored with a fighting 60 in almost four hours before he was out in a bizarre fashion. Attempting a square cut against slow left-armer Wasim Ahmed, the Karachi Blues captain only succeeded in chopping his bat on top of the stumps and in the process, breaking a bail.

Farhan, who has scored 731 runs this season in 16 innings, faced 192 deliveries and hit five boundaries.

Nomanullah once again disappointed with a low score. After a couple of lovely drives to the fence, he played across tentatively to an inswinger from Yasir Arafat and was adjudged LBW for 16.

Opener Maisam Hasnain had earlier been bowled for a patient 41 by part-time spinner Shahid Javed.

Yasir Arafat bowled with aggression to capture three for 72 while left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed bowled economically without looking menacing. He conceded 58 runs in 40 overs for his two wickets.